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Lady Gaga’s transformative role in ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’
A new musical journey for Lady Gaga
In a recent interview, Lady Gaga shared insights about her unique approach to singing in the upcoming comic book musical “Joker: Folie À Deux”. The Grammy and Oscar-winning artist stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix, portraying a reimagined version of Harley Quinn named Lee. Gaga emphasized that her performance in this film is unlike anything she has done before.
“People know me by my stage name, Lady Gaga, right? That’s me as that performer, but that is not what this movie is,” Gaga explained. “I’m playing a character. So I worked a lot on the way that I sang to come from Lee, and to not come from me as a performer…How do you take music and have it just be an extension of the dialogue, as opposed to breaking into song for no conceivable reason?”
Crafting a new vocal identity
Gaga’s dedication to her role as Lee required her to step away from her usual performing voice. This isn’t the first time she has adapted her singing style for a film role. In “A Star Is Born”, she portrayed Ally, a rising music star with immense talent. However, Lee is a stark contrast to Ally, lacking the polished skills of a professional singer.
“For me, there’s plenty of bum notes, actually, from Lee,” Gaga noted. “I’m a trained singer, right? So even my breathing was different when I sang as Lee. When I breathe to sing on stage, I have this very controlled way to make sure that I’m on pitch and it’s sustained at the right rhythm and amount of time, but Lee would never know how to do any of that. So it’s like removing the technicality of the whole thing, removing my perceived art-form from it all and completely being inside of who she is.”
Director’s vision and character interpretation
Todd Phillips, the director of “Joker: Folie À Deux”, praised Gaga’s interpretation of Harley Quinn. He mentioned that while there are familiar elements from the comic books, Gaga’s portrayal is uniquely her own.
“She became the way how [Charles] Manson had girls that idolized him,” Phillips explained. “The way that sometimes these [imprisoned murderers] have people that look up to them. There are things about Harley in the movie that were taken from the comic books, but we took it and molded it to the way we wanted it to be.”
Anticipation builds for the film’s release
“Joker: Folie À Deux” is set to make its world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival before hitting theaters on October 4th. The film promises to be a captivating blend of music and drama, with Lady Gaga’s transformative performance at its core.
For those eager to get a glimpse of this highly anticipated film, you can watch the trailer here.
Reflections on Gaga’s artistic evolution
As a cinema and music enthusiast, it’s fascinating to witness Lady Gaga’s continuous evolution as an artist. Her ability to adapt and transform her vocal style for different roles showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft. This commitment to authenticity in her performances not only enriches the characters she portrays but also offers audiences a deeper, more immersive experience.
Gaga’s journey from pop icon to acclaimed actress is a testament to her multifaceted talent. Her role in “Joker: Folie À Deux” is yet another milestone in her illustrious career, and it will be intriguing to see how she continues to push the boundaries of her artistry in future projects.
Final thoughts
Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Lee in “Joker: Folie À Deux” is set to be a groundbreaking performance that challenges traditional notions of musical and cinematic storytelling. By immersing herself fully into the character and stripping away her usual vocal techniques, Gaga offers a raw and authentic portrayal that is sure to resonate with audiences.
As we await the film’s release, it’s clear that “Joker: Folie À Deux” will be a must-watch for fans of both cinema and music, promising a unique and unforgettable experience.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest trailers, visit the official trailer page.
